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Offered languages
- English
- Spanish
Your experience begins with comfortable round-trip transportation from Puerto Vallarta in our private company vehicles. At Playa Mismaloya, you’ll check in at our office, meet your guide, and receive a short briefing before heading out on the water.
We then cruise into the Bay of Banderas, one of the top whale-watching destinations in the world. Whale sightings are guaranteed, and often times humpback whales breach, slap their tails, and swim alongside their calves. Along the way, you may also encounter dolphins, sea turtles, and rays.
Next, we’ll visit the Los Arcos Marine Sanctuary, where you’ll have the chance to snorkel in waters filled with colorful tropical fish and vibrant marine life. This iconic site, with its dramatic arches and caves, is also home to a variety of seabirds, adding to its magic.
With small groups, expert local guides, whale encounters, snorkeling, and stunning scenery, this tour is one of the most unforgettable adventures in Puerto Vallarta.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
We’ll meet you at the listed gas station. Please make sure you’re in front of the OXXO that is at the gas station, not a different one nearby. If you are staying south of the meeting point, contact us to determine where is the best place to meet you. We board the boat at Mismaloya Beach
Itinerary
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1
Your adventure begins at our Mismaloya Xtreme office, located right on the sands of Playa Mismaloya—one of the most iconic beaches in Puerto Vallarta. Here you’ll check in, meet your friendly local guide, and receive a warm welcome. Before we head out on the water, you’ll have time to use the restrooms, get settled, and enjoy the relaxed tropical atmosphere of this historic beach. Your guide will then give you a safety briefing and introduction to the tour, explaining what to expect and answering any questions so you feel completely prepared.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2
From Playa Mismaloya, we cruise out into the Bay of Banderas, one of the largest and most beautiful bays in the world. Framed by the Sierra Madre mountains, the bay offers stunning coastal views, hidden coves, and plenty of marine life to discover. This area becomes one of the best places on earth for whale watching. Humpback whales migrate here to breed and give birth, and it’s common to see them breaching, slapping their tails, or swimming alongside our boat. Dolphins, sea turtles, and manta rays are also frequent visitors to these warm waters. Your guide will share fascinating insights about the wildlife during our whale watching experience, the local fishing traditions, and the unique role this bay has played in shaping Puerto Vallarta’s history and culture.
2 hours • Admission ticket free -
3
After whale watching, we head directly to the Los Arcos Marine Geological Sanctuary, one of the most famous natural icons of Puerto Vallarta. These dramatic granite islands rise straight out of the ocean, carved over thousands of years into arches, caves, and towering rock formations. Here, your guide will explain the history and legends of Los Arcos—stories of ancient geology, Hollywood films like The Night of the Iguana, and even the mysterious local names like La Cueva del Diablo. But Los Arcos is not only about scenery. It’s also a protected marine park, often called a “natural aquarium,” where you can snorkel among colorful tropical fish, corals, rays, and sometimes even turtles. The caves create the perfect backdrop for spotting sea birds like blue-footed boobies, pelicans, and frigate birds. This is one of the most breathtaking and unique places in Banderas Bay, and it’s the highlight of any visit to Puerto Vallarta.
1 hour • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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